The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-12-29
Teachers Institute.

The teachers institute for District
Ne. 81 held meeting Saturday last.
The session was opened by prayer by
ne Rev. Mr.. Humphrey, Of Abilene,
and music by the choir.
Mr.. John Cbronister, who delivered
Q very "priste address of welcome,
made. IL ,..,ng so, not few happy ed
ucstio.I iits. He cOntrasted the
slSen Il ) with the present, and gave
Ruch tilneiy advice to the youth and
the Young teachers. Altogether his ex-
seIIent little talk emphasized what the
Kindness of the people had already IN
dicated-that the guests were welcome
To say that Mr.. Jewett, OF Abilene.
responded with one Of the most practl-
cal speeches the teachers have ever
heard is putting it in very mild form.
The address falls upon grateful ears
the east versus the West-growth or
mind compared with growth of body -
we are what we think we are-we
teach. first, honesty of purpose: second,
manly bearing, and third, book knowl-
fedre-common interest of parent,
teacher and child-lead the child, do
not drive him.
Mr.. Shirk was appointed critic and
leader of the class in pedagogy.
The subject of whispering was dis
cussed bv Mr.. Lehmer and others.
CnnclusiOn-Mak no iron clad rules,
hut prevent it by kindness, reason etc.
The remainder Of the programme
was executed with credit to the partlc-
ipants and benefit to all.
A paper on difficulties IN grading
country and village schools, by Mr.. y.
C.. VsnUyke. met with general approval
and shows conclusively that Mr.. Van
DYKE has studied the subject carefully.
Mr.. Shirk. in conducting the class in
pedagogy, won laurelS by the manner
in which he led the teachers from the
sublime to the ridiculous, and WIthai
making such practical applications OF
every principle involved. 1t goes with
out saving that Shirk never fails TO IL
terest. entertain and instruct.
For lack of time the last topic was
omitted.
The following committees were ap-
pointed and made acceptable reports
On resolutions: Messrs. Light, Run
yam and VanDyke.
On evening program: Il. NJ. Light,
Miss Halle Livingston and ID. +.
Shirk.
EVENING SESSION.
The recitations. declamations, select
readings were delivered principally by
the young folks of the district, and
were well received, especially "Whc
Made the sky by May Light, a girl OF
six
The impromptu speaking was a new
feature of the session i'll which the
teachers did credit to themselves
Among the many subjects assigned
was Anarchy in Relation to Oul
Schools" which was ably discussed b!
A. C. VanDyke, as also was The
Mothers Influence on the Child by d
F. Shirk.
a very able paper on duties of teach
ers and parents was read by the super
intendent, j. S. Ford, and which ell
listed attention throughout.
1.-THE Jews Songs" by Mr.. Lyon
also enlivcned the occasion.
NOTES.
The dinner was simply immense.
Jewett and Livingston-well,i it wa
politics in fun.
Rev. Humphrey rarely misses tn
teachers meeting.
Chapman was well represented. Fra
grant Hill had no presentation, AM
Cheever township had one. Lincoll
was not represented.
Over thirty teachers were present.
Bigger-heaTted people than those 0
Dist. So never lived.
Chapman captured the next meeting
Every teacher says: I'm be sure t
be at the Chapman institute
Pedagogy" is au excellent featur
Of these meetings.
Due notice of programme and date o
the Chapman institute will be given.
JOHN ENGLE, Sec'y.